Monday, February 9, 2015

What would you do with a stick?

I wish I could post a picture of our 6'5" grandson who made Eagle Scout and had his ceremony yesterday, but Blogger is being difficult. His brother who is four years older is also an Eagle Scout. When asked why he didn't wear his uniform to the ceremony, he replied shyly, "My brother is wearing it." That's love when you accept your brother's Scout uniform. seems only yesterday they were as little as Liam.


With Valentine's Day fast approaching, I want to stress to my preschool students how important it is to show and share love. We'll read about Elephant who was tall and Turtle who was small, but they were best friends, best  of all. Turtle found a heart shaped leaf and asked Rhino passing by if he liked it. "Let me see." He chomped a chunk and said, "YES! I like it." The monkey saw the leaf and said he wanted to hide his banana in it, so he snatched it away. Then Giraffe stuck her head up in the tree and grabbed it from the bird who wanted to cover her eggs, and the giraffe ate it all gone.
Oh you should see the chidrens' expressions. We have a discussion about right/wrong/ snatching things/stealing...and feelings.


I am concerned because of their responses. At the end of the story, Turtle takes a stick to the river bank and draws a heart for Elephant in the sand. I ask the kids what they THINK Turtle is going to do with the stick.


The boys especially responded with such violence: Poke that monkey in the eye. Jab the giraffe. Hit that rhino. SOOOOOOOOOOO, we had another discussion.
Years ago I used to think kids were influenced negatively by some TV shows. Now I know they are.

9 comments:

Optimistic Existentialist said...

My need more people like you teaching children to share love :)

Bookie said...

I have a teacher friend still on the job at the high school in the gifted classes. She says in last five years almost all say that something is wrong only if you get caught. Sad isn't it? That was beginning when I left.

Val said...

What would I do with a stick? Speak softly, and carry a big one.

Sioux Roslawski said...

Linda--My baby boy was an Eagle Scout too. That's a very sweet story.

What would I do with a stick? Commit a series of felonies...

Connie said...

Oh, that's sad that they would respond that way. I'm glad they have you to teach them some alternatives.

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Telling responses, Linda. Good that they have you to provide them with a different view.

Unknown said...

I so much agree that kids are negatively affected by all the violence in our culture. Games, TV shows, even for the little ones, are just so much more violent than they used to be. I think our only saving grace is parents who care, and teachers who are dedicated to teaching what's important -- like you. Thank you for all of the good that you do.

Pat Wahler said...

You're right. Parents need to really be careful what they let the kiddos watch.

Pat
Critter Alley

Susan said...

Your job with children is soooo important, Linda. Your influence can help negate some of the wretchedness on tv. Susan